Things are happening in Luton and not before time.
From The Daily Express , Luton Today and the Diss Express.Three men have been arrested in connection with disruption at the Poachers homecoming parade in Luton in March.
The men, who Bedfordshire Police said "formed part of the anti-war protest at the parade", were arrested this morning (Thurs)
Police held Luton airport baggage handler Jalal Ahmed, fellow radical Yousaf Bashir and a third man on suspicion of breaching public order. Bedfordshire police arrested the men in dawn raids yesterday at different addresses in the city.
Detective Inspector Mark Upex said: “These arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the events on March 10 and are the result of extensive inquiries and review of CCTV from the day in question. Further arrests are anticipated after which a file will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.”
Yesterday, leading Islamic radical Anjem Choudary condemned the arrests as an example of how police do not allow Muslims the right to “peaceful protest”.
He said: “It is outrageous how Muslims demonstrating against crimes committed by the British Government are themselves arrested. They were making a peaceful protest. It shows the hypocrisy in claims that we have freedom and democracy.”
Bashir was released yesterday at midday on police bail without charge. The other two were still being questioned last night.
On the day, two people were arrested after a number of people staged a counter-demonstration. An 18-year-old man from Luton was charged with racially aggravated harassment, involving verbal abuse, but the Crown Prosecution Service later dropped the charge.Meanwhile the Daily Star reports
AN ISLAMIC extremist who hurled abuse at Britain’s home-coming troops has been beaten up by fellow Muslims.
Sayful Islam was set upon by moderates who say his controversial beliefs are making their lives hell.
Their mosque was firebombed after he led the now notorious protest against the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment’s homecoming parade in Luton in March. But moderate Muslims claim the 29-year-old’s doctrine of hatred has led to them being shunned and want him driven out of town.
Since the Islamic Education Centre was burned down they have been left with nowhere to pray.
One eyewitness said: “It was a falling-out between people who used to be friends. The group did not like the fact his actions have caused them problems. They are now being treated as outsiders and extremists. Their place of worship has been firebombed. Luton has become a difficult place to be a Muslim thanks to Sayful.”
He added: “These people are not extremists and do not share his beliefs. They believe they are suffering unnecessarily because of his actions. Punches were thrown and Sayful legged it. He will be looking over his shoulder from now on.’’
One former worshipper at the bombed mosque said: “There has been some trouble. He was not badly hurt but he has not been seen since. Feelings are running high".